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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Kelsee and Taylor Philpot stand outside of their new toyshop, Hattie’s Toyland, located in the Trussville Entertainment District on April 8. Hattie’s Toyland is named in memory of their daughter Hattie.
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Photo courtesy of Stefanie Madison.
Kelsee Philpot holds her daughter Hattie on March 9, 2020.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
A quote by Kelsee Philpot is fixed to the window of the Philpots’ new toyshop, Hattie’s Toyland, located in the Trussville Entertainment District.
Kelsee Philpot has spent months dreaming up a whimsical, magical place called Hattie’s Toyland. The store is meant to bring joy out of one of the most difficult experiences of her family’s life.
Kelsee and Taylor Philpot were high school sweethearts and married in 2010. After Taylor’s Air Force career and a three-year stint working in ministry at a church in Virginia, the couple decided to move to Trussville in 2020, with three children and another on the way, to be closer to family.
But the same week they moved to Trussville, their lives turned upside down when they received the devastating news that their fourth child would be stillborn. Hattie Ruth Philpot was born on March 9, 2020.
“The first thing we saw was her perfect self, and the first thing she saw was the face of Jesus,” Kelsee Philpot said.
A few days later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The grieving family was amazed by how their new Trussville community rallied around them with love and support, even while the world was shut down.
As she coped with the loss, Kelsee Philpot found herself thinking of ways to honor Hattie.
“Although nothing felt sufficient, I remember having an idea one day in 2020 of opening a magical toy store in her honor,” she said. “To us, she's always going to be a child: innocent, magical and carefree — everything a little girl should be. What could be more fitting than a toy store?”
At the time, Kelsee Philpot wasn’t sure that anything would ever come of the toy store idea. She and her husband were busy focusing on their mental and spiritual health and working hard to be present for their other children, including their youngest daughter, now 2 years old. Plus, they had business commitments, such as ownership in a local pest control company.
Last fall, however, doors began to open to make her toy store dream come true. Kelsee Philpot began making plans for the store, drawing inspiration from little joyful things, like a cute beachside gift shop or a favorite movie scene. Every detail, from the vibrant non-primary color scheme to the handwritten style of the logo, is meant to evoke a sense of childlike wonder and imagination.
“I’m excited for people to get to see the other side of our story and what the Lord has done,” she said.
Together, the whole Philpot family has worked toward the upcoming store opening, including their children Preslee (12), Nolan (8), Vivi (6) and Lydia (2).
In the past, Kelsee has been the one to support Taylor in his entrepreneurial ventures over the years. With their roles now reversed, Taylor Philpot said he’s happy to support his wife in this new business.
“For me, the most exciting part of Kelsee stepping into business ownership is seeing her years of experience used to make a big impact in our community. She is ready for this,” Taylor Philpot said. “Kelsee is a champion at loving others, and she will be a blessing to everyone who sets foot inside Hattie’s Toyland.”
The Philpots plan to open Hattie’s Toyland in the Trussville Entertainment District this summer.
“Hattie's Toyland will be a great addition to Trussville, due to the fact that we have very few shops that cater specifically to children,” said Amanda Glidewell, the owner of neighboring store Sister Shirts. “Kelsee saw a need, and she is filling it.
I am thrilled to get to do business alongside her.”
“She is extremely kind and caring and can speak life into any situation or trial you may face,” Glidewell added. “ I'm confident everyone who steps through those doors at Hattie’s Toyland will feel encouraged and loved. I can't wait to see the impact that she and Hattie's Toyland have on our community.”
Hattie’s Toyland will offer a selection of toys and gifts for kids of all ages and even teens. They’ll have “birthday bins” where kids can make a tangible wishlist and family storytime on Saturdays.
Above all, Kelsee Philpot wants Hattie’s Toyland to be a place that represents hope.
“This space feels sacred, heavenly, wild, fun and whimsical. We want families and children to come in and take a break from reality. We want this store to be a place where imagination has no limits and dreams are real— an environment where kids and adults, even for a moment, feel like anything is possible,” she said. “We want this to be our family’s legacy.”
Hattie’s Toyland will be located at 165 Morrow Ave., Suite 109. For more information about their opening, visit hattiestoyland.com or find “Hattie’s Toyland” on Facebook.
